OUR STAFF

Amanda Philipp | Owner/Director

BALLET, TAP, JAZZ & LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY

Amanda started her dance training at the age of 2 at Longwood Performing Arts and has trained in all styles of dance. She graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Management. At OCU, Amanda performed with the American Spirit Dance Company, Spirit of Grace Dance Company, and Rhythms. Amanda has completed certifications with Progressing Ballet Technique and American Ballet Theatre, and continues to attend workshops to further her dance education.

Amy Broome | Director

BALLET, TAP & LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY

Amy has been with Longwood Performing Arts since 2000 teaching preschool – advanced classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University, OK. She has performed with the Oklahoma City University Pep Dancers and The American Spirit Dance Company. She continues her dance education yearly by attending many dance teacher seminars.

Denise Street | Instructor

BALLET

Denise has performed with the San Antonio Ballet and Harrisburg Ballet Companies. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. She has been teaching, choreographing, and performing with Longwood Performing Arts since 1980.

Kayla Babicki | Instructor

Acro Instructor

Kayla is a graduate from Temple University.  She has choreographed yearly for Philadelphia Dance Day, Ruba Club’s Broadway Cabaret shows, and regional musicals, such as Young Frankenstein at the Ritz Theatre in New Jersey. In 2021, Kayla choreographed a show for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival of the Arts in collaboration with musician Daisy Royce. Kayla is certified in Acrobatic Arts and is currently finishing hermProgressing Ballet Technique certification. She holds her 200-hour yoga teacher certification with Yoga Alliance, a yoga anatomy certification, and is now working toward her 500-hour yoga certification.

Colleen Staico | Instructor

BALLET, JAZZ & LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY

Colleen obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary education with a concentration in middle school math from the University of Delaware. After the completion of her undergraduate degree Colleen taught middle school math for three years at Ann A. Mullen Middle School. Colleen also recently completed her Masters of Education in Dance Education Studies at Temple University.

Samantha Timlin | Instructor

BALLET, JAZZ & LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY

Samantha was a member of Longwood Dance Company for five years and has studied all styles of dance. Additionally, she was a competitive rhythmic gymnast for six years and a member of the Junior Olympic team. Samantha performed with and choreographed for Volé, the Penn State Ballet Club, and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.

Cristina Pesce | Instructor

TAP, MODERN & LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY

Cristina was a member of Longwood Dance Company for six years and has studied all styles of dance. Additionally, she was a competitive Irish Dancer for twelve years. Cristina performed with the University Dance Company at Penn State and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Dance. She completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University.

Natalie Flynn | Instructor

BALLET, JAZZ & LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY

Natalie trained at Oxford Center for Dance, Crane Performing Arts, Koresh Dance Company and ASH II under Braham Logan Crane. She has performed at the “Choreographer’s Ball” in New York City as well as other venues in Las Vegas, Florida, Atlantic City and Philadelphia. She graduated from West Chester University for Early Education with a minor in dance.

Amanda Mastronardo | Instructor

BALLET, TAP & JAZZ

Amanda was a member of Longwood Dance Company for four years and has studied all styles of dance. She has performed with the Albright Dance Team and was a captain and choreographer. She currently teaches dance at Avon Grove Charter School.

Rachel Stoll | Instructor

BALLET, JAZZ, HIP-HOP, TAP, LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY

Rachel is a graduate of West Chester University.  She has performed with the University Dance Company, Formerly and Tomorrow, and the WCU Alumni Dance Chapter.  She is an award winning choreographer and guest teaches throughout the tri-state area.  

Elise Conrad | Instructor

BALLET, JAZZ, HIP-HOP & TAP

Elise has performed with Emma Dance Collective, Encore Performance Company, and the West Chester Dance Team.  She has studied with Alvin Alive, Pittsburgh Dance company, Pittsburgh Ballet Travel, Ballet X, and Philadelphia Rock School of Dance.  

Reilly Capanna | Instructor

HIP-HOP

Reilly started her dance career as a student at DANCE! by Debra DiNote, studying Hip-Hop for six years. She specializes in arena performances, as she has been a part of the Junior Soulmates, Junior Wings and the Philly Phresh Crew dance teams. She has performed at AFL Soul, NLL Wings, 76ers, Temple and Harlem Globetrotter halftime games. After graduating from PPC, Reilly became an assistant coach for the team to continue her love for hip-hop.

Allie Taylor | Instructor

LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY

Allie trained at LPA in all styles and was a member of Longwood Dance Company. She graduated from UVA with a BS Ed in Kinesiology and Minors in Dance and Health & Wellbeing. While at UVA, she performed, choreographed, and served on the executive board for the Virginia Dance Company. She also performed with the UVA Dance Department. Allie is currently completely her Doctor of Physical Therapy and MS in Clinical Health Science at UD where she is currently a Delaware Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities trainee.